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September302013

Why and how to recycle electronics

E-waste recycling is something that is quite similar to other forms of
recycling like paper, plastic and metal. The difference is that e-waste
recycling isn't as convenient as the others. But, e-waste recycling is quite
important nowadays, largely because of the increasing amounts of e-waste every
year.

E-waste is basically the accumulation of electronic devices which have
not been disposed of suitably. People do not understand the importance of
properly disposing e-waste and just dump their electronics like TV’s, cell
phones, printers, etc. in dumps which leads to a lot of environmental problems.

Almost all electronics that we use nowadays contain toxic substances
like barium, cadmium, mercury and lead which can adversely affect the
environment. These elements can easily leak into the soil and start to affect
the water supply and even the food chain.

Televisions and computer monitors come with cathode rays which contain
high levels of lead. LCD's have mercury in their panels. Batteries contain
silver, nickel, lead, lithium and cadmium. Basically, everything we use has the
potential to be hazardous to the environment.

When you think about these consequences that arise out of improper
scrapping of e-waste, it makes you want to make a difference doesn't it? This
is the main reason why the demand for e-waste recycling centers has been
growing in recent years. There still isn't enough being done to prevent e-waste
from harming our environment but we are slowly getting there. It is important
that you be a part of this solution instead of ignoring it and unknowingly
becoming a part of the problem.

Now, let's take a look at what you can do to safely dispose of your
e-waste in a city like New York or Modesto, California. While buying a new laptop is very
easy, getting rid of the old one might not be. You can't expect to just dump
your laptop in a landfill and be done with it. Electronics contain toxic
substances like mercury and lead which can cause a lot of damage to our
environment, so electronics recycling, Modesto or New York, - it is equally important. So how do you get rid of them then?

Well obviously the safest thing to do would be to send them to a nearby
recycling center. But ensure you read up about the recycling center before
sending your electronics there. You don't want to find out that they too are
just dumping it in a landfill. Check to ensure the recycling center uses an
environmentally safe method to dispose of their electronic goods.

Most large recycling centers nowadays even have the equipment required
to break down your electronics into smaller reusable resources. They also have
air filtration systems which ensure the surrounding air is free from toxins and
other contaminants.

The easiest way to find the closest recycling center in your vicinity is
to go online. All you need to do is a simple search for 'electronics recycling
centers' and enter your zip code. This will give you a list of recycling
centers near you.

Remember an electronic device; no matter how small of large can cause
significant harm to the environment and it is up to you to ensure it is
properly disposed of.